TRES PICOS

Situated in the rolling hills just southeast of Santa Fe, this three-bedroom residence takes advantage of the site and views to provide a comfortable and exciting setting for a retired couple.

The schematic design was a challenge because of the contradictions in site orientation. Due to the sun angles and solar gain, the ideal location for windows in northern New Mexico is on the south facade of a building. However, this site's best views were to the north. A design solution was realized that provided view windows to the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the north while introducing clerestory dormers in the vaulted ceilings to collect light from the south.

The architectural design expresses the ideas of indigenous northern New Mexico architecture in a modern language that is consistent with the clients' lifestyle.